The Nursing Journal of India
Nursing Journal of India (NJI) is the one of the world’s oldest journal regularly published with a legacy of more than 100 years.

Needle stick injuries are major occupational hazards commonly associated with all cadres of healthcare workers. More than 20 different types of blood-borne pathogens are contracted through needle stick injuries. There are several therapies to prevent needle stick injuries, but the likelihood of contracting human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus will lead to psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as a reduction in quality of life among health care workers. A retrospective analysis was conducted among health care workers working in a tertiary care hospital, Patna (Bihar) from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Data from healthcare workers were collected in a needle stick Performa, and a retrospective analysis was done. Around 116 needle stick injuries were reported, 59 cases were in the age group 26-40 years. Nurses were more exposed to needle stick injury compared to other cadres of health care workers. The site of needle injury was the right & left hand in reported cases. Out of 20 needle stick injuries exposed to blood-borne viruses, 15 were given post-exposure prophylaxis. The occurrence of needle stick injury is quite common among healthcare workers and recapping needles is the most common cause of needle stick injury. Prevention of needle stick injury is an integral part of needle stick injury management in the place, and training of health care workers regarding safety measures should be an ongoing activity in the hospital.


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